Estate Planning – The Basic Will-Based Foundation

Pennsylvania Estate Planning is for everyone!

Estate planning isn’t only for the wealthy or elderly—it’s for every adult who wants to protect their loved ones and have their wishes honored. The most common starting point is a will-based estate plan. These core documents cover both death and incapacity.

Here are the key pieces:

• Last Will and Testament: This names your executor, directs how your assets should be distributed, appoints guardians for minor children, and can create simple trusts. Without a will, Pennsylvania’s intestacy laws decide everything—which may not match your values or family needs.

  
  

• Financial Power of Attorney (Durable POA): Appoints someone you trust to handle your finances and legal matters if you become incapacitated. “Durable” means it remains effective even if you lose capacity, helping your family avoid costly court guardianship proceedings.

  
  

• Healthcare Power of Attorney (Medical POA): Names an agent to make medical decisions on your behalf when you can’t. It works hand-in-hand with your living will.

  
  

• Living Will (Advance Healthcare Directive): Spells out your wishes for end-of-life care—such as life-sustaining treatment, artificial nutrition, or comfort measures in terminal conditions or persistent vegetative states. Pennsylvania has straightforward forms for this.

  
  

• HIPAA Authorization: Allows your designated agents and loved ones to access your medical records and speak with doctors. Without it, even your healthcare POA holder can face privacy roadblocks.

These five documents create a solid initial foundation. They’re relatively simple and affordable to put in place now, preventing major headaches later. At Sojourner Law, we customize these to reflect your faith, family values, and stewardship goals.

If you don’t have these documents in place yet, reach out—we’d be happy to help you get started.